Protective Services: What’s your role? And are you safe?

August, 2016

documentation, planning ahead and staying safe

Presented by

Jessica Denison - OAAPI Safety CoordinatorKeri Ridenour- Washington County Abuse Investigator

DJ1

Slide 2

DJ1 Last name Denison

Denison Jessica, 7/11/2016

Today’s Goals

● Review what Protective Services Actions are.

● Review your role regarding the provision of Protective Service Actions.

● Identify safety concerns: personal, environmental and how to plan ahead.

● Group discussion regarding what to do when the individual is making unsafe choices.

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Protective Services Definition

● 407-045-0310 Assessment for and Provision of Protective Services to the Adult

“The community program shall ensure that appropriate and necessary protective services are provided to the adult to prevent further abuse and

must be undertaken in a manner that is least intrusive to the adult and provide for the greatest degree of independence available within existing

resources.”

What does that mean?

● The health and safety needs of the individual must immediately be identified and secured to prevent further abuse/neglect.

● This must be done in a way that allows the individual to be as independent as possible.

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● Alternative living arrangements

● Physical and mental status evaluation

● Medical services

● Legal services

● Counseling

Examples of Protective Services

Examples of Protective Services

● Financial services

● Advocacy services

● Victim assistance programs

● Other services as necessary

This is not an exclusive list!

Use all senses to assess risks and plan ahead.

Prevention is key!

SafetyProtecting Yourself and the Individual You’re Supporting

Personal Physical Appearance

Does it look good on you but work against you?

●Religious or political symbols

●Jewelry

●Long Hair

●Shoes

●Ties & Scarves

Safety Planning -it isn’t just for the individuals!

●Pre-visit prep

●Going in, while in, going out

●Post visit procedure

Arriving at Location

●Drive around the block

●Park car with unblocked access

●Leave valuables in office or trunk

●Keep keys accessible

●Cell Phone

As You Approach

Ask Yourself

•What do you see that would be of note?

•What should you keep in mind to stay safe?

•What precautions might you take?

Observe!

Animal Hazards

●Friendly or not?

●Ask about animals prior to visit

● If unsure, look for signs of animals upon

approach

●Be Vigilant

In the Home

Scan for:●Layout of the home●Exits●Potential weapons

Seating:●Position close to an exit●Edge of seat (2 - 3”)

The Exit

●Lock car doors immediately

●Drive away as soon as you exit the

home

●Make notes and/or check in with the

office from a safe distance

Don’t be a sitting duck

Basic De -Escalation Strategies

Verbal

●Keep calm and be

patient

●Appear confident but

not aggressive

●Invite discussion

●Change or modify

your voice

Physical

● Never turn your back

● Maintain eye level

● Do not touch them

● Maintain 2 Arms Length

● Stay between client and the

door

● Use Body Language

In a Potentially Unsafe Situation?

●Elevator Speech

●Check your watch; say you need to call your office

because they are waiting for your call

●Repeat the purpose of your visit

●Stand up and leave

Putting It Together

Example 1:

A 19 year old male with Developmental Disabilities

is engaged in alcohol and drug use and is

homeless. You are concerned for his safety.

What protective services can you offer?

DOCUMENT!

Putting It Together

Example 2:

A 35 year old female with Developmental

Disabilities has been in a relationship with her

boyfriend for 10 years. There have been numerous

concerns regarding domestic violence. Numerous

abuse investigations have occurred and protective

services have been offered. What else can you do?

DOCUMENT!

Putting It Together

Example 3:

A 60 year old male living in a foster care home

recently decided he no longer wants to take his

psychiatric medications. He becomes manic and is

at risk of losing his placement because the provider

can no longer support him with his increased needs.

DOCUMENT!

Recap

●Protective Services Actions: What are they and what is your role with offering these?●Safety: Personal and environmental safety.●Safety: Planning ahead.●Putting it Together: Examples and discussions.

DOCUMENTATION!

Questions, Clarifications, Discussion

● Open floor